An evening of short plays about one of the most enduring obsessions: affairs of the heart. Whether love is found, lost, botched or misunderstood, this seductive and funny collection of plays explores the tempestuous territory of attraction.

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While it was vaguely disappointing to know that we were going to be treated to ‘retreads’, it helped to consider how many times we have been invited to see reruns of other shows (Shakespeare, anyone?) without our issuing a whimper of complaint. I was sitting in the ATL lobby on Wednesday evening, adjusting my attitude along these lines, when the sound check began. Recorded music tested the system AND prepared us for the subject matter of “Match Games”: Al Green. And then Barry White. Followed by other artists whose songs could justifiably be categorized as ‘makeout music’. I couldn’t help but be a little charmed at the blatant, good-natured manipulation.
Each of the pieces in this set of ten-minute plays is good–well-written, well-acted. The time constraint demands economy; every sentence and every gesture earns its keep, and there is no waste in these compact stories. The characters are fully-formed and each story beautifully arced. There is plenty of humor, rapid-fire wordplay (Sure Thing), some outrageous silliness (2B or Not 2B), and a gorgeous, lyrical piece that blends poetry and ballet with drama (The Blue Room). Several flashes of insight on the nature of relationships ring true, even if they aren’t always comfortable to witness (The Processional, Man and Wife).
The ensemble of five actors displays great range, perhaps most especially Meredith Zinner, who plays, among others, a wise-cracking waitress, an impatient bride and an eight year old boy.
Also notable are lightning-quick wardrobe and wig changes; spare, sleek, contemporary sets that serve but do not distract from the stories; and witty lighting devices.
Even the stage management shows off: set changes incorporate pantomimes of romantic mini-dramas, even as furniture is being moved.
Okay, so it’s a retread. It is a worthy collection, and proof yet again of the quality that comes from the Humana Festival.